Just and Sinner Podcast

On today's program I responded to an article by Federal Vision leader Rich Lusk titled "Why the Law/Gospel Paradigm is Flawed," which can be found here. The program mostly centered around the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the Abrahamic promise.

A clear run-through of the controversy around the doctrine of two (and three) kinds of righteousness. A tour of how the idea appears across Lutheran sources and seminaries. A breakdown of passive/imputed, active/vocational, and civil righteousness. Warnings about conflating kinds and why the distinctions matter for preaching and conscience.

This is a continuation of my previous show on the doctrine of mystical union. I spent this program looking at this teaching in the writings of Luther, the Confessions, and in Lutheran Orthodoxy.

I was joined by Pastor Lewis Polzin of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bemidji Minnesota to continue our study of Henry Eyster Jacobs' book A Summary of the Christian Faith. We looked at chapter two titled: "The Being and Attributes of God."

On today's program I discussed some recent comments made regarding the teaching of mystical union and the use of the term "theosis." This is the first part of a two part program on the topic. I gave an explanation of what the concept is, and why it is important.

On today's program I addressed the theology of Gerhard Forde. I demonstrated why I believe his teachings to be dangerous and out of accord with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

On today's program I was joined by Pastor Richard Shields who is the pastor of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, and president of the American Lutheran Theological Seminary. We discussed Paul Washer's book "Gospel Assurance and Warnings." This led to an explanation of the broad and narrow definitions of Law and Gospel, the third use of the Law, assurance, and many other topics.

On today's program I responded to Subdeacon Benjamin Harju, a convert from Lutheranism to Eastern Orthodoxy. I discussed the doctrine of justification in Holy Scripture and in the Patristic sources.

The discussion centers around the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, responding to recent atheist claims. Dr. Jordan Cooper critiques the idea that the resurrection is merely a cultural legend. He emphasizes the improbability of varied witnesses independently imagining the same event. The episode explores significant scholarly works and evidence supporting early testimonies. It also highlights how cultural contexts of Ancient Greece and Rome challenge the notion of a fabricated resurrection.

On today's program I finished responding to John Frame's article on the distinction between Law and Gospel.